Additives in concrete for waterproofing: stronger and more

Concrete has long been, and apparently, has long become the main building material. The vast majority of modern residential buildings and industrial facilities are constructed from this material or, in any case, with its use at some stages of construction. However, this material is required to be improved, to which can be attributed and additives in concrete for waterproofing.

All about combining concrete and waterproofing

With all its versatility, the solution, however, like all building materials, is subject to aggressive environmental influences.

The destructive factors include:

• Sudden changes in temperature;
• Humidity;
• Direct and permanent contact with water. This is especially true for hydraulic structures.

All of the above results in a decrease in the strength of concrete structures and adversely affect their durability. Thus, it becomes an urgent need to obtain waterproof and durable concrete.

Why waterproofing is so important

The only truly reliable way to protect concrete structures from moisture are waterproofing additives in concrete. Thanks to these additives it is possible to make waterproof concrete.

During operation, under the influence of negative factors, concrete gradually becomes porous, and therefore brittle. One of the main reasons for the porosity of concrete is the inevitable presence in it, the so-called "free lime", also known as water-soluble calcium hydroxide.

The fact is that water, penetrating into concrete structures, washes away the excess of free lime from the structure body, making the concrete even more fragile.

Note! Many modern waterproofing additives in concrete can not only protect the structure from water, but also increase the strength of concrete by 30% or more.

Methods of dealing with the penetration of moisture

They try to fight this phenomenon by applying both surface and penetrating waterproofing. But this method is ineffective. Chemical compounds used for surface waterproofing are short-lived.

And the result of penetrating waterproofing, in principle, cannot be predicted due to different age and concrete grades on which it is applied. Of course, diamond drilling of holes in concrete will not stop it, for example, but it will not guarantee 100% protection of the structure from moisture.

In fact, waterproofing additives for concrete are substances added to enhance its waterproofing properties.

They are used mainly in the construction of structures where direct contact with water is provided:

• Groundwater;
• Pools;
• Platinum;
• Reservoirs.

Types of material

Depending on the method of its action, additives for concrete for waterproofing can be divided into several types:

• Dry mixtures of the so-called penetrating, and more precisely penetrating type. This mixture is introduced into the solution at the stage of its liquid form and is evenly distributed. The structure quickly grabs, which saves time. Penetrating type mixtures are widely distributed.
• Water repellents that tend to expand after contact with the surface. Dry mix should be mixed with water before use. The proportions of the mixture and water are usually indicated on the package. And only after that the mixture is applied to the surface.
• Waterproofing additives for concrete class pressure sealant. They differ from all other types in that they are not added to the solution at the mixing stage, but are already used to protect the finished structures. Such additives should fill various cracks and minor defects in concrete structures. Drying, they form a waterproof layer.
• Supplements related to the so-called expanding type. Used mainly to urgently eliminate the defect in the structure of the material.

Also special components and tools can be divided into:

• Polymer. The polymers are added to give the concrete solution greater mobility. Microparticles of concrete form a kind of polymer film, which makes even cracked concrete waterproof. By the way, cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles in this case is not complicated. The polymers act in their own direction.
• Plasticizing. As in the previous embodiment, plasticizers make the solution more mobile. Some plasticizers form a film. Some create an electric charge that activates the particles, which again leads to the mobility of the solution. The most effective components with a combined type of action. In such additives with a double action, polycarboxylate is used, which not only improves the waterproofing properties, but also increases the strength of concrete structures.
• Colmitters. These additives are distinguished by the fact that they make concrete waterproof after the mortar has dried.

What you can do yourself

One of the main advantages of using waterproofing additives is the fact that they can be used to make waterproof concrete with your own hands. This process will not require any special expenses.

Recommendations for making extremely simple:

• The proportions of the mixture, additives, water and other components that are necessary for the preparation of concrete, are usually indicated in the product manual.
• You will need a mixing tank and maybe a drill.
• Water in the mixture must be added gradually.
• As a rule, the prepared composition should be used within 5 minutes from the moment of preparation.

Note! The exact time of use and the exact proportions depend directly on the manufacturer of the waterproofing additives and on the type of additive itself. The instruction is always attached to the material.

Protective additives remain the most reliable and most affordable way to protect your home from the ravages of moisture. Affordable price, ease of use and the ability to prepare a waterproof composition on their own allowed the waterproofing components to seriously and permanently occupy a significant niche in the market of waterproof materials.

Conclusion

Depending on the scale of construction, a suitable composition of waterproofing material can be used. How exactly - prompts the video in this article, which most fully explains the basic principles of work.